Patients' perspectives on antiepileptic medication: Relationships between beliefs about medicines and adherence among patients with epilepsy in UK primary care

AbstractBackgroundNonadherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can result in suboptimal outcomes for patients.AimThis study aimed to assess the utility of a theory-based approach to understanding patient perspectives on AEDs and adherence.MethodPatients with epilepsy, identified by a GP case note review, were mailed validated questionnaires assessing their perceptions of AEDs and their adherence to them.ResultsMost (84.9%) of the 398 AED-treated respondents accepted the necessity of AEDs, but over half expressed doubts, with 55% disagreeing or uncertain about the statement ‘I would prefer to take epilepsy medication than risk a seizure’. Over a third (36.4%) expressed strong concerns about the potential negative effects of AEDs. We used self-report and medication possession ratio to classify 36.4% of patients as nonadherent. Nonadherence was related to beliefs about medicines and implicit attitudes toward AEDs (p